Police investigate sex assaults in Lakeview, Galewood

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police are warning residents of two sex assaults - one in Lakeview and one in Galewood - which both took place on Sept. 14.

A 27-year-old woman who was walking west in the 1600-block of West Fletcher Street around 2:30 a.m. last Sunday was tackled from behind, forced inside the community hallway of her building and sexually assaulted. The offender ran off after hearing the victim's friend yell out from a porch landing.

Police said the description of the suspect in this incident was vague.

"I just moved to the neighborhood about two months ago. One of the reasons why I chose it is obviously it's a good neighborhood. It's a safe neighborhood. It's very surprising and concerning," said Scott McQuillan, who lives in Lakeview.

"I think it's disappointing. You want to know that you're protected in this area. When you hear something like that... I walk my dog all the time, so it's something I have to keep an eye out for," said Shannon Worsham, another Lakeview resident.

In a second, unrelated attack, a man heading south in the 2300-block of North Nordica Avenue around 9:30 p.m. last Sunday ran up behind a woman, punched her in the face and sexually assaulted her. The attacker took off when he heard traffic.

Police describe the offender as a man with a light complexion, about 6' tall, weighing between 150 and 160 lbs. He had short red hair, a red mustache and goatee, was wearing a white t-shirt with a Bulls championship logo and ripped blue jeans. The victim told police he smelled of alcohol and cigarettes.

"I'm shocked. My kids walk around and my wife walks around here and doesn't worry about a thing. We have policemen right across the street in townhouses," said Ken Klinicki, who lives in Galewood.

Authorities warn women to walk in pairs and travel in well-populated areas.

Anyone with information regarding wither of these incidents should contact Area North detectives at (312) 744-8200.